Define: Covered Call

Covered Call
Covered Call
Full Definition Of Covered Call

A covered call is a financial strategy where an investor sells a call option on a security that they already own. The investor receives a premium for selling the call option, which gives the buyer the right to purchase the security at a predetermined price within a specified time period. By selling the call option, the investor limits their potential profit on the security if its price increases above the predetermined price. However, they still benefit from any dividends or price appreciation up to the predetermined price. This strategy is commonly used to generate income from a security that the investor believes will have limited price movement in the near term.

Covered Call FAQ'S

A covered call is a strategy in options trading where an investor sells a call option on a security that they already own. This strategy allows the investor to generate income from the premium received for selling the call option.

Yes, selling covered calls is a legal strategy in options trading. It is a commonly used strategy by investors to generate income from their existing holdings.

While selling covered calls is generally allowed, there may be certain restrictions imposed by brokerage firms or regulatory authorities. It is important to check with your broker or consult legal advice to ensure compliance with any specific regulations or restrictions.

The main risk of selling covered calls is that if the price of the underlying security increases significantly, the investor may miss out on potential gains beyond the strike price of the call option. Additionally, if the price of the underlying security decreases, the investor may still be exposed to losses.

In most cases, covered calls can be sold on a wide range of securities, including stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and even certain types of bonds. However, it is important to check with your broker or consult legal advice to ensure compliance with any specific restrictions or limitations.

The income generated from selling covered calls is generally treated as a capital gain or loss for tax purposes. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific tax implications based on your individual circumstances and jurisdiction.

If the call option you sold is exercised, you will be obligated to sell the underlying security at the strike price specified in the option contract. This means you will have to deliver the shares to the option holder and receive the strike price in return.

In most cases, selling covered calls is allowed in retirement accounts such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) or 401(k) plans. However, it is important to check with your retirement account custodian or consult legal advice to ensure compliance with any specific rules or restrictions.

Yes, there are several alternative strategies for generating income in options trading, such as cash-secured puts or selling naked calls. Each strategy has its own risks and considerations, so it is important to thoroughly understand them before implementing them in your investment portfolio.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 5th April 2024.

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